Cook Strait - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cook Strait
Cook Strait Cook Strait separates the North and South islands of New Zealand. Show map of New Zealand Cook Strait Cook Strait (Oceania) Show map of Oceania
Coordinates	41°13′46″S 174°28′59″E / 41.22944°S 174.48306°E / -41.22944; 174.48306
Basin countries	New Zealand
Min. width	22 km (14 mi)
Average depth	128 m (420 ft)

Cook Strait (Māori: Te Moana-o-Raukawa) is the body of water between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It connects the Tasman Sea on the west with the South Pacific Ocean on the east.

The strait is named after James Cook, who was the first European commander to sail through it. Its Māori name is Te Moana-o-Raukawa. The strait has an average depth of 128 metres (420 ft). The strait can be dangerous and unpredictable, because of the tide patterns and the weather. The most common way to get across is by ferry.

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